What are Some of the Benefits of Massage Therapy for Veterans? 

Here are our Top 8 Benefits 

1. Pain Relief Therapy 

Many veterans and military members deal with chronic pain, especially those with injuries or disabilities. Whether it’s joint pain, muscle tension, soreness, or other common issues such as arthritis, massage therapy can help alleviate the pain.  

2. Massages Lead to Stress Reduction  

Veterans often experience high stress levels from past deployment experiences. In fact, 8% of veterans who were screened came back positive for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Massage therapy inherently promotes relaxation, reduces overall anxiety, and helps mental well-being, which is a big win for our vets.  

3. Massage and PTSD  

A study from the VA shows that Veterans who have been deployed are 3 times more likely to have PTSD. While massage can not cure PTSD, it has been proven to alleviate some of the symptoms of it. This is because massage stimulates a “kind” human touch, which starts a relaxation response due to positive-feeling hormones released in the body.  

4. Improved Sleep From Muscle Manipulation  

93% of veterans with PTSD also have insomnia. Sleep is important for every aspect of your life, from mental to physical. Massage therapy can help veterans tremendously with their sleep quality with frequent appointments.  

5. Reduced Medication Dependency  

Since massage addresses pain, stress, and sleep issues, it can also lower the need for these types of medications offering veterans a more holistic approach to their wellness.  

6. Boosted Immunity With Regular Appointments 

Evidence suggests that regular massage therapy can boost the immune system, helping veterans stay healthier and better able to cope with physical and environmental stressors. 

7. Enhanced Mobility Success 

Another great benefit of massage therapy for veterans is its contributions to better mobility! Mobility issues can lead to more injuries and chronic pain. Massage therapy can improve your flexibility, joint function, range of motion, and overall mobility.  

8. Overall Improved Quality of Life 

For veterans, massage therapy can greatly improve their overall quality of life. Due to the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of this therapy, it promotes a sense of well-being and empowerment that greatly improves quality of life.  

How Veterans Can Get Massage Therapy Services Covered by the VA

To determine eligibility, veterans should first enroll in VA healthcare. This can be done online through the VA’s website, by phone, or in person at a VA medical center. Once enrolled, veterans can work with their VA healthcare provider to explore treatment options, including massage therapy.

Obtaining a Referral for Massage Therapy

Massage therapy isn’t a standard service at all VA medical centers, but veterans can access it through specific VA programs or with a referral from a VA healthcare provider. The VA offers complementary and integrative health services (CIHS), which may include massage therapy, particularly for managing pain, PTSD, and other chronic conditions.

To obtain a referral, veterans should:

– Schedule a Consultation: Meet with their primary care provider at the VA to discuss the need for massage therapy. Veterans should be prepared to explain how massage therapy could help manage specific health issues, such as chronic pain, anxiety, or rehabilitation from injuries.

– Request a Referral: If the provider agrees that massage therapy would be beneficial, they can issue a referral to a VA medical center that offers these services or authorize care through the VA’s Community Care Program.

Using the VA Community Care Program

If the VA facility does not provide massage therapy services directly, veterans may be able to receive care from a community provider through the VA Community Care Program. This program allows veterans to access healthcare services outside of the VA network under certain conditions, such as:

– Geographic Accessibility: The veteran lives too far from a VA facility or faces a long wait time for an appointment.

-Obtain Authorization: The VA provider must authorize the use of a community provider. Once authorized, the veteran will receive a referral and be able to choose from a network of approved providers.

– Schedule an Appointment: After receiving the referral, the veteran can schedule an appointment with a community massage therapist who is part of the VA’s network.